The stars may not be aligning on Friday night, but seven planets in our solar system just may be.
For weeks, outer space enthusiasts have been gearing up for a planetary alignment, or “planetary parade,” expected to conclude on Friday evening, just after dusk. Stargazers could have the chance to see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune − with the right binoculars or telescope.
Though the alignment isn’t once-in-a-lifetime rare, the seven other planets in our solar system don’t align every year, so it can be a spectacle to witness.
Here’s what to know about this weekend’s planetary parade and how to see it.
What is a planetary alignment?
A planetary alignment can be used to describe various outer space phenomena. But in the case of the planets in our solar system, a planetary alignment, commonly referred to as a “planet parade,” occurs when the planets appear in a visible line in the night sky.
This happens because the planets in our solar system essentially orbit the sun along the same line across a flat, disc-shaped plane in the sky known as the ecliptic, according to cosmic news site EarthSky.
When will the planetary alignment be visible?
The conclusion of the current planetary alignment of the planets in our solar system is expected to occur on Friday night after dusk. The exact time varies based on a viewer’s location.
How to best view the planetary alignment
The planetary alignment, if visible, will occur toward the west, after the sun sets.
To have the best chance of viewing the planetary alignment, find a spot free of light pollution and a view of the horizon without obstructions like trees or tall buildings. Specifically, NASA recommends finding a spot 10 degrees or higher than the horizon, as the Earth’s atmosphere can dim celestial objects near the ground.
NASA reports that Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible without an optical aid, however, high-powered binoculars or a telescope will be crucial for spotting Saturn and Neptune.
Is a planetary alignment rare?
Planetary alignments involving the planets in our solar system are not exceedingly rare, but the visible lineup of four or five planets in the night sky only occurs every few years, according to NASA.
Are more planetary alignments happening in 2025?
Yes. Four planets are expected to be visible right before sunrise in late August 2025, according to NASA.
Profiles of the planets
Here’s a look at some of the interesting traits about each planet in our solar system:
Contributing: Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What time do the planets align tonight? Here’s how to see the ‘parade’
